EA is out with an update to the popular Tetris for iPad game. It now has beautiful HD graphics perfect for your retina display new iPad, and it now offers some new gameplay options.

Before I get into those, let me point out this update has some people upset. EA has pulled the previous Tetris for iPad game from the app store. That means to upgrade to this version you need to pay the $6.99 again. There is no cheap option to upgrade.

First the changes to the game. You of course still have your Marathon mode where you tap on the screen to rotate the blocks and then swipe down to put them in place. But now you have a One-Touch Marathon mode.

Basically you’re given some options where the next block should go, you tap on it and it snaps into place. I really like this mode. I believe it makes Tetris a lot more touchscreen friendly. My concern with Tetris on touchscreens has always been it didn’t feel the same as the console version. I never felt I had the control needed to get the blocks where I wanted them, and then sometimes while swiping down it would rotate the blocks.

With One-Touch, this is eliminated. I enjoy playing Tetris more, and it feels more like a true touchscreen game, not one that was simply ported over.

The other new gameplay is Galaxy. As EA describes it, clear to the core as you drop each Tetrimino – blocks – with split-second intensity and use power-ups to transform the blockade below. Basically you’re trying to get rid of all the on-screen blocks in as few moves as possible. The fewer moves it takes, the more stars you get. The goal, to get 5 stars on each level.

Along the way you can use power-ups to break the blocks faster.

The other change to the game is T-Coins. They are what you use to use the power-ups, unlock new Galaxy levels, buy more theme music and basically advance further in the game a lot faster. You can of course spend real money to buy more T-Coins or you can join the T-Club. It’s a monthly subscription that gives you 15% more T-Coins when you get a line in the game.

Here is my video review of Tetris for iPad showing all the new gameplay features and a look at how you can get the 8-bit original soundtrack.

So, while myself and others may not agree with EA’s decision to make us pay full price again for Tetris for iPad – the game really does offer enough new features to consider it a new game. And of course the HD graphics on the new iPad look great.

If you do want the game but aren’t fond of the $6.99 price tag, you can always wait. EA always puts its games on sale several times a year.

Now, if you’d like a chance to win a free copy of Tetris for iPad all you have to do is comment below with why you want it. It’s that simple. 24 hours after this post goes live we’ll pick three winners and post them here. So best of luck.

UPDATE

The three winners have been chosen at random. Thank you all for entering. If you won I’ll be emailing you the code at the address you used to comment here or I’ll get in touch with you on Twitter if that’s how you posted. Thanks again for entering.

I had the original Nintendo Gameboy from the day it was released in 1989 and I spend many hours perfecting my Tetris game. Was there ever a better game release for Gameboy? This new Tetris for iPad will not only be a great addition to my new iPad 3rd Generation, but will bring back many great memories of days past. Thanks for the opportunity to win a code!

http://profile.yahoo.com/TMY5726RHTLFEWQ7PL5D5PTAVU G

I played this game on so many platforms I just can’t wait to see it’s evolution on the new iPad!!

Kelly Mann

I love all tetrii!! Big fan of tetris, but will wiat for the sale. Although. this might look good on the retina display on my iPad 3..Thanks for the chance to win it !

SteveHiggs

The iPhone version scaled up just doesn’t look all that great. I wouldn’t mind the iPad retina version, but I’ll be damned if I give EA more cash. Of course if I were to win a code for it here, I won’t complain .

Marc

I play all the time! I would love to get the new Tetris!

Renegader

Aww man. I’d love to win this. I just bought Tetris like 2 weeks ago Now its been updated for my retina iPad and I have to buy it again? Pretty please ipadincanada?

Jason

I’d love to win as I’ve been playing Tertris ever since I was little.

Fresh

Half past twelve
And I’m watching the late show in my flat all alone
How I hate to spend the evening on my own
Autumn winds
Blowing outside my window as I look around the room
And it makes me so depressed to see the gloom
There’s not a soul out there
No one to hear my prays

Gimme gimme gimme New Retina Tetris for iPadIt will help me chase the shadows away Gimme gimme gimme New Retina Tetris for iPadIt will take me through the darkness to the break of the day

Slowburn

I would love it because I miss the old classic games.

Mike

I would love to have this game because it was my most favourite game as a child. I can’t wait to get into it again!

JH

I want to win just for the sake of winning. So you should definitely pick me.

Philpaint

I want to win this game!
I already have it on my iPhone, so I can’t justify buying it again since I can play when I want, but I’d love to play on a big screen!

Giridhar Kaushik

I just got my new iPad, first iPad I’ve ever owned and I don’t have much money left to buy all these apps! Help a brother out:)

PhotoGreekVM

Would love to have this game on my retina display iPad as my kids LOVE Tetris and I was hoping to get it for them; can you imagine how disappointed they will be if I can’t get it. We don’t want to disappoint children, right?

Dieselboy28

I would love to have this for my new iPad.

Khaye

Tetris is one of my favorite games!

http://twitter.com/djtripd djtripd

Already have it for my iPhone, now I just need it for my iPad so they match

Lil_chris26

Had it in my game boy , would be nice in my iPad now

Felix

I would love to win this game because my mom loves her new iPad and her favorite game is Tetris =D

Superveloce101

I would love to win this app to play on my iPad! My brothers would also enjoy it I loved the iPhone version and I’m sure that the iPad graphics will be even better with the amazing screen. Thanks!

http://twitter.com/KingVisioneer Scott

I’d love a code because I have always been a huge fan of any and all versions of Tetris, but I don’t think EA deserves any money. They are a horrible company and a disgrace to video games.

http://twitter.com/patricktalbotqc Patrick Talbot

I’d love to win a code. I played that game so many hours on the Gameboy…who knows what I would be if I had studied hard instead of wasting my time with the game.

NascarDog

I want it so I can play it on my new ipad.

thevarmanator

I don’t have any good, paid, retina iPad games. I’ve been a follower of the blog since the iPhone 2G days, and winning this would be nice.

@c0kelover

thevarmanator

I don’t have any good, paid, retina iPad games. I’ve been a follower of the blog since the iPhone 2G days, and winning this would be nice.

@c0kelover

Matt

Tetris is the best game period. I had that handheld one when I was younger and it was awesome.

Thanks for the giveaway!

http://portableteejay.myopenid.com/ portableteejay

I remember playing Tetris so much on my gameboy that I’d be cross-eyed for a little while after. I want to do that again.

Cherrycola666

I want it because it looks fun!

Kirk

I have the new iPad and would love a great game to kill time in the way to work. Best of lucky to everyne! (including me lol)

Mike

I remember playing tetris a long time ago and it would be fun to try out on the new iPad

Kirk

Wow grammar errors time to fix sentence…

Bcairnie

I’d love to have the new Tetris!

Tetris was one of the first computer games and I played it, or its clones, on my Radio Shack Colour Computer in the mid 80s. It’s been my go-to game for relaxation, distraction and, to be honest, just good old time wasting for almost thirty years. Over the past few years, the only version I’ve had has been on the family Wii. Just two weeks ago I bought an iPad and have been contemplating Tetris.

Please give me a code so I can have my youth back!

Ari

Best of luck to you all. I can afford to buy it myself if I wanted the game. I hope the person who receives it gets a lot of enjoyment out of it.

m13

Want to try the new features but can’t pull myself to pay again. Maybe with a price drop or win it here. lol.

Slam5

I love original Tetris is getting a bit boring. Time to try something new! Yippee!

Evastiller

It has always been my favourite game.

Gmac4

looking forward to playing tetris on ipad!Classic time killer!

Voodoo_ca

Tetris is awsome – A classic!
Reminds me of my old Game Boy…

argii

I need to have Tetris for iPad! I have been buying Tetris for every platform and device I own. I always play it and would love to compete in tournaments. I just got the new iPad too!

Ethan Samuel

Tetris is a very
popular game i just would like to play in all my spare time.